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View Full Version : Handheld Remote Minkotta Autopilot & Powerdrive


rangerpat01
02-07-2002, 06:34 PM
You guys are gonna love these they are about the size of a pack of cigarettes with all the functions of tour foot control I'll be showing them at Bobs Bait& Tackle 2-9-02 & Green Bay Sports show. Give me some input good idea, or wouldn't really use them.

Reels
02-07-2002, 06:41 PM
Kinda like using my feet, because my hands are busy.
I asume it would take some working of the hands?


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rangerpat01
02-07-2002, 06:50 PM
I should have included we use them when trolling with bowmount, sorry about that.

TBO/MN
02-07-2002, 07:00 PM
I would like to see this unit. I use my trolling motor from the back of my boat, and use the the foot pedal by holding it in my free hand. I think this would be a great idea. Where can I see it, or try it out??

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

Reels
02-07-2002, 07:05 PM
Yea, I do that two while running my kicker. That would be great, beacuse it is akward using my hands for the foot pedal.

Gonna be in IL any time soon?

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rangerpat01
02-07-2002, 08:24 PM
I'll be at Spring Valley Tourney, I'm gonna see if they will let me mention them at meeting, currently they are made in Eds basement, cost is a little more than foot pedal unit.(comes with 18 foot cord) rangerpat01@yahoo.com

SLIPKNOT
02-07-2002, 08:26 PM
Hmmmmm, a hand operated foot control trolling motor. Kinda defeats the purpose. I would never buy one, but then again i would never own an autopilot again either.

Box
02-07-2002, 09:30 PM
I disagree that it defeats the purpose. I use while trolling slowly often, from sitting in the drivers seat. I put the foot control unit on the steering wheel and use my hand (but the darn unit sits kinda ackward). My feet are usually up on the deck or hanging on the gunwale :), relaxing as I follow contours with my "hand/foot" unit.

I think this is a great idea, and I even mentioned that something like this would be a great idea about 2 years ago on WC :) I knew that the electronic parts couldn't be that hard to hook up for people who knew what they are doing.

I would definitely be interested in this unit, and if I could add more suggestions, I would like to see the plugs be able to be daisy-chained, or at least an adapter that would let you leave the foot control up in the bow, but also plug in the "new" small hand unit (with clip for steerling wheel, etc.) so that two people could use it without unplugging. My brother and I are always passing the darn foot unit around, back and forth.

Great idea, and I hope to hear more about it - hopefully here :)

-Box
MN
cbox@mediaone.net

rangerpat01
02-08-2002, 01:47 PM
We currently only have 20-30 made up, were waiting on some clips we ordered so you can hang them on your belt. We have some other ideas I hope you'll like. We will let you know shortly. And I can gaurantee you will see it here.

perchjerker
02-08-2002, 01:53 PM
Sounds like you need a few field testers who can put them through the mill a few times, since I know a few good men who just bought AP 65's...;)

Hawgeye
02-08-2002, 02:10 PM
I made my own on my old autopilot because I also put the foot control on me knee. For those minor corrections needed every now and then with the autopilot, I prefer to use the fine control of my hand. The one I made lasted only a year or so and then I just trashed it because I did not take the time to make it durable. I definately would like to see it. Right now I use a cordless autopilot and have the foot control on my knee because on the floor behind the console, it doesn't always respond as quickly as I like it too. I am older now and do not take as much time tinkering with making the little improvements that I used to. If the price is right, I buy it. If not, I make it myself.

rangerpat01
02-08-2002, 02:42 PM
You could make it yourself, the expensive part is the cord,we make them water proof,rocker switches are water proof they center in off position. On left & right switch, returns to off when you hit momentary , stays on for continous, knob for speed also water proof all connections sodered internal parts will not rust even if they did get wet. I'll be fishing MWC & a couple RCL. If takes off I'll give you a call perchjerker. Thanks

rock2me
02-08-2002, 03:15 PM
Don't forget about me. I would defintely be interested.

I like to move around a lot and if I could hook it to my belt that would be SWEET!

I can definitely see this helping when the kids are with me.



Good Luck!

Gumbyt
02-09-2002, 08:14 PM
Hello gentlemen and lady's, I have had the pleasure to use one of these units while fishing in the MWC in 2001. If you do any amount of trolling with your trolling motor you know that having that big medal in your lap is a pain. This unit is small and very simple to use. The less you have to do while fishing allows you to be more intent on catching MORE FISH!!!
I will have one of these little gems and use it for more than just trolling.
Mike Tompkins
#461

eyeman
02-10-2002, 05:48 AM
I think they would be great. I'd love to see one or try one. They'd be great when I'm fishing a tournament or by myself in the back of the boat.

I've thought about using velcro to strap the darn thing to my leg while I'm in the back of the boat rigging rods. Normally I just leave the foot control by the drivers seat and reach back to adjust when I need.

Having a controller thats hand held or on a belt clip would be wonderful.

rock2me
02-10-2002, 11:08 AM
Rangerpat01,

I would be willing to buy one today! How much? Where do I send the money? Seriously.




Good Luck!

Skeeter
02-12-2002, 11:19 AM
This sounds like a pretty handy unit to use. Very interested, can't wait to try it.

Walleye Jason
02-12-2002, 12:45 PM
Ranger Pat,

When will you get these things available for sale?

I would definatly be intrested in one of these units. Please Send me an E-mail when I could purchase one.

Thanks
WJ

walleye@wswa.net

Rangerpat
02-12-2002, 02:25 PM
Email if interested tell me what you think rangerpat01@yahoo.com

rangerpat
02-15-2002, 09:30 AM
Jason check out the swap board. I apologize for bumping this up just wanted to let you know to check swap board. Thanks rangerpat01@yahoo.com

Jim
02-17-2002, 06:03 PM
Very interested

Magic
02-17-2002, 07:01 PM
I'm interested, please send me more detail and prices.
Thanks!
magicofmt@imt.net

rangerpat
02-17-2002, 08:56 PM
email me about this as I don't always have time to check this. Thanks rangerpat01@yahoo.com my wife is going to take care of this as I'll be away at tourneys a lot. I really appreciate your feedback, & ideas. Thanks Pat & Christy

rangerpat
02-21-2002, 01:11 PM
We are going to start working on a remote for genisis, if we can build one reasonably without the price going through the roof. What would you Genisis owners be willing to pay so we have a target price, & please be serious. Thanks Pat & Christy